Open Pantry Hours
Our food pantries are open at both locations
TUESDAY
10:00 am - 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
WEDNESDAY
10:00 am - 12:00 pm | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
THURSDAY
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Bring Your Own Bag!
All students welcome
Food, hygiene supplies, clothing, diapers and more!
Pantry Closed? Food is Still Available!
Resource Spots:
-Visual, Applied, & Performing Arts Complex (VAPA)
-Computer Technology Center (CTC)
-Gymnasium
-Wellness Education Center (WEC)
-The Welcome Center
-The Hub Resource Learning Center
-Integrated Learning Center (ILC) (Watsonville)
Fresh Markets
In collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank, Fresh Markets provide free, accessible food distribution to support all students’ basic needs in a welcoming, community-centered environment.
Students may receive assistance with completing CalFresh, Medi-Cal, & CalWORKS applications. Reach out to an Essential Supports Center staff member to connect you with an enrollment coordinator.
We Are Here For You
- Aptos Fresh MarketsAptos Library Plaza | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Aptos Fresh Markets Occur Twice a Month During the Fall & Spring Semesters
- Watsonville Fresh MarketsWatsonville Multipurpose Room | 11:00 - 12:30 PM
Watsonville Fresh Markets Occur Twice a Month During the Fall & Spring Semesters
- Support with CalFresh, Medi-Cal, & CalWORKS ApplicationsApplication Support
Available at any time Upon Request
In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank
- Support with Housing NavigationHousing Assistance
Available at any time Upon Request
Upcoming & Ongoing Programs
National Student Parent Month
Month of September
September is designated as National Student Parent Month, and we will offer programs and activities throughout the month to uplift, celebrate, and support student parents and families. More details will be shared as September approaches.
Cooking Workshops & Food Tastings
Once Per Semester
The Essential Supports Center hosts Cooking Workshops, a hands-on program where students cook alongside one another to prepare a full meal using pantry-available ingredients. The focus is on building confidence, practical cooking skills, and connection through shared food experiences.
Twice a Month
During open pantry hours, find Food Tasting in the Food Pantry. These brief tastings offer ready-made samples of seasonal produce or simple pantry-based dishes, designed to spark ideas and make trying something new easy and approachable.
Collaborate With Us!
We are always excited to collaborate with students, student organizations, campus partners, and community partners on programs that align with our mission and support student success.
If you are interested in co-creating a program, we encourage you to reach out and connect with our team.
